July 29, 2018 | Bob Bartlett
Passage: Ecclesiastes 6:1-12
“The Search for Contentment” Ecclesiastes 6:1-12
“I have seen another evil under the sun, and it weighs heavily on men:”
- The grievous evil of life without contentment? But more?
W_____________________________________!
What is contentment? Where does contentment lie? How do I find contentment?
The Search for meaning and purpose:
Vs 2: “God gives a man wealth, possessions and honor...God does not enable him to enjoy them”
Conclusion: Meaning and Purpose are not found in the t____________ of this world.
Vs 3-6: “A man may have...a hundred children and live many years; yet no matter how long he lives, if he cannot enjoy his prosperity...”
Conclusion: Meaning and Purpose are not found in the r______________ of this world.
Vs 3: The grievous statement: “I say that a stillborn child is better off”
Conclusion: The gravity or severity of m____________ the meaning and purpose of life!
Life without meaning and purpose:
Vs 7: “All man’s efforts are for his mouth, yet his appetite is never satisfied.”
- All pursuits without perspective (wisdom of God) are a potential curse.
- Tomorrow we still wake up spiritually hungry and bankrupt.
The Road to Meaning and Purpose:
Vs 8: “What advantage has a wise man over a fool?”
- Be found in r____________relationship with God. To know God! To be known by God!
- Proverbs 9:10 “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.”
Vs 9: “Better what the eye sees than the roving of the appetite.”
- Always i_______________(count) your blessings. Psalm 116:7 “Be at rest once more, O my soul, for the Lord has been good to you.”
Vs 9: “...than the roving of the appetite. This too is meaningless a chasing after the wind”
- Learn (the secret) to be c________________ in and with God alone.
Philippians 4:11-12 “I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.”
- The greatest purpose and the greatest contentment I can possess?
Vs 10-12: “Whatever exists has already been named...who knows what is good for a man in life...Who can tell him what will happen under the sun after he is gone?”
- Be a devoted h____________for the truth of Jesus Christ.
- It’s all been said before! It’s all been done before! 1 Corinthians 4:1
Life’s greatest meaning and deepest purpose is found in knowing God and serving Him.